JFK’s Daughter set to become US ambassador to Japan

Caroline Kennedy is set to becoming the first female US ambassador to Japan after members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee praised her and gave support for her suitability for the role.

Caroline Kennedy in 2009. Photo: Bill Burke

The only remaining living child of former president John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, her appointment will mark a return of America’s first-family to the US diplomatic corps.

Recalling her father’s efforts to improve relations with Japan, she said that there was no country where she would rather serve as ambassador.

“I’m conscious of my responsibility to uphold the ideals that he represented: a deep commitment to public service, a more just America and a more peaceful world,” she told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her nomination hearing.

The Committee, headed by Democrat senator Robert Menendez, praised Kennedy, telling her: “Your background, your experience, your versatility, your intellect, the legacy of service your family stood for in American history makes you exactly the kind of person we need to serve the interest of the nation as ambassador to Japan.”

Kennedy was nominated by president Obama in July, continuing a long-standing tradition in which presidents award high-profile political supporters with diplomatic posts abroad.

If successful, Kennedy will be involved in the trans-Pacific trade talks as well as being responsible for cooling tensions in an area of the world where China is increasingly more assertive over its marine boarder claim disputes with Japan.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will discuss and vote on Kennedy’s nomination in a private meeting that has yet to be scheduled. If her nomination is approved, it will be recommended to the Senate floor for a vote.